One of the most contentious issues in legislative discussions is how to deal with qualified immunity. This legal doctrine protects employees from civil liability for any misconduct they commit on the job.An earlier draft of a compromise was leaked this month. It would shift legal responsibility to police departments rather than officers. This led to stiff opposition from law enforcement organizations like the National Sheriffs Association.NAACP and other civil rights groups have released statements this week critiquing the involvement of police unions in negotiations. They also expressed concern that law enforcement groups might dilute the final compromise agreement.Bass, House Democrat lead negotiator, stated Tuesday that infighting between law enforcement groups could sabotage a deal. However, both the Fraternal Or of Police and National Sheriffs Association refute this assertion.Yoes, a member of the law enforcement group, warned Wednesday that if negotiators leave the talks, it will have devastating consequences for our citizens as well as our profession.Yoes said that if bipartisan legislation is not crafted, it will be a huge opportunity to strengthen relationships between officers and communities, while also ensuring protections that are essential to rank-and file police efforts.Nicholas Wu contributed to the report.
